Freedom at work: Essential HR strategy for employee empowerment

“We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.” - William Faulkner

The pandemic was a big shake-up. We were forced to rethink how we live and work. But there was a silver lining: we discovered the power of freedom. Working from home showed us that with trust and the right tools, we can be more productive and happier. As we move beyond the pandemic, it's time to build on this newfound freedom and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.

So how can an organisation, HR, and leaders offer freedom to employees to lead a more balanced and meaningful life?

Here’s how:

Freedom from bureaucracy 

The pandemic exposed the shackles of bureaucracy, forcing a rethink of traditional HR practices. Rigid structures and complex processes hinder agility and innovation. It's time for HR to become a catalyst for change, empowering employees with the information and tools they need to succeed. By simplifying processes and adopting user-friendly technology, HR can create a more fluid and responsive work environment.

Freedom from bias

Diversity, inclusion, and belonging have emerged as critical pillars of a thriving workplace. Organizations are recognizing the power of a diverse workforce to drive innovation and business success. Beyond hiring, it's essential to foster an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered. By leveraging data and technology, HR can identify and address disparities, ensuring that all employees have equal opportunities to grow and contribute.

Freedom to be open, communicate without fear of being judged

“Building a culture of freedom and understanding requires a keen focus on creating an ecosystem of openness and transparency. Employees need to have the space to dream about their career aspirations as the human resources function gives them the guidance and support to fulfill the same,” believes Meenakshi Surana, Assistant Manager – People and Culture, AirAsia India. 

At Soroco, the company consistently seeks feedback from its employees to meet their needs effectively. According to Rama Kishore Chenamchetty, Head of People Operations at Soroco, “This approach has made our employees feel independent, valued, and empowered.”

Open communication is crucial for continuous learning. Leaders should facilitate the free exchange of information and ideas within the organization. From sharing perspectives to discussing innovative ideas, every exchange fosters mutual learning for both employers and employees.

It also strengthens the emotional bond between employees and the organization. Employees need a degree of freedom to express their ideas and career aspirations without fear. This openness enables employers to provide more effective guidance and leadership. A diverse and efficient work culture thrives in an environment where communication is free and judgment-free.

Freedom to be yourself

In a 2018 blog post, Richard Branson, the renowned founder of the Virgin Group, observed, “We are at our most productive and creative when we are happy and being ourselves at work.” Given that work occupies a substantial part of our lives, employees can only truly succeed when they are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to the workplace.

A workplace must cultivate an environment where individuals can express themselves openly, free from fear of retribution. Emphasizing psychological safety has highlighted the value of diverse experiences in the workplace. However, creating and maintaining such an environment relies on various factors, including workplace culture, technological design, and the people within the organization. Achieving this requires aligning values and fostering it through ongoing interaction, introspection, and feedback.

Freedom from old ways of working and to be flexible

" How's your work going?" 

” As usual.”

" How's your business going?"

“ As usual.”

" Wassup with you?"

”Just the usual.”

Then... BAM! We saw the end of 'as usual' once the cataclysmic change took over our planet in the last 18 months. 

What we have now is freedom from outdated work practices. HR now offers wellness platforms where employees can discuss their health, manage their time and space, and voice frustrations about rigid routines. Today’s workforce demands flexibility and agility. Gig workers, for instance, have the autonomy to work around the clock on their own terms. Work-from-home and hybrid workspaces, once rare, have become essential elements of modern professional life. 

Ena Zheng, Chief Operating Officer, Fluxon believes that tech skills should not have boundaries, and a globally distributed team can unlock huge opportunities for an organization. “Our remote work culture allows our team to structure their day however works best for them.  If team members need to drop off their kids for school, take a coffee break or fit in an exercise class - we think they should have the flexibility to do that. Our general philosophy is to provide everyone in the company autonomy to make the right decisions that'll help them be most productive. Our goal is to always provide an environment where everyone can realize their fullest potential here,” she added. 

Leaders of people & work are vouching that "flexibility is key to stability '' and HR is working hard to provide employees the same with zen-friendly policies. 

So if you ask a professional how’s their work going, well there's nothing usual about it now. 

Freedom from straight career paths 

“This career move won’t look good on your resume. Don’t do it”

“Why do you want to do something different from what you have studied? It’s not easy. The risk isn’t worth it.”

“You want a sabbatical? It will cut down your options. It doesn’t make sense.”

“No one I know has done this before. It’s highly risky for your professional journey and financial stability. I wouldn’t do it.”

Come 2021, and the sheer volume of risk takers has shot through the roof. At a time when businesses are shutting down, there is a sea of professionals willing to risk their stable career trajectories to shift gears towards a direction that feels more purposeful and rewarding. 

“Offering freedom across various aspects of work life is no longer just a benefit; it’s a distinct competitive advantage today. Today’s talent appreciates the option of choosing their own career paths within organisations,” added Siddharth Vishwanath, Head – Human Resources, Zivame.

While financial security remains essential, especially today, many individuals are increasingly willing to forgo a steady paycheck in pursuit of something that resonates more deeply with their identity and personal ‘calling.’ The focus is shifting away from a lifelong commitment to a single field and towards exploring new paths that align with personal passions and values. 

Today’s talent is hungry for growth, experience and learning, all the while adapting to uncertainties and overcoming challenges brought on by unconventional career paths. It appears individuals are alas, seeking freedom from laying down a straight career path and financially satisfying job roles and hopping onto the journey of purposeful and experimentative career paths.

“As HR, we cannot thrive in the pursuit of extremism,” says Sreelakshmi Venugopal, Head of Human Resources, Embassy Services Private Limited. Especially not at this juncture of time when uncertainties prevail. Freedom must be subjective, earned, and demanded through trust and constant reiteration with action. The leaders have an opportunity to build and nurture this culture and partnership based on trust, empathy, and action. 

One moment of truth at a time, one person at a time, together, organisations can foster this culture of freedom.